Your doctor may also give you a trial of levodopa, a medication that increases the amount of dopamine your brain produces. A positive response to this medication may help to confirm the diagnosis.

Your doctor may also have imaging tests done, such as:

SPECT scan—You will be given an injection of a substance that will make the pictures of your brain clearer. You will lie on a table, and a camera-like object will slowly rotate around you. This test may take about 90 minutes or longer. Your doctor may choose to use a specific type of scan, called dopamine transporter scan (DATscan), to evaluate your condition.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Should I get a DaTscan or PET scan to confirm my diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease? National Parkinson Foundation website. Available at:
http://www.parkinson.org/Patients/Patients---On-The-Blog/February-2011/Should-I-get-a-DaTscan-or-PET-scan-to-confirm-my-d. Updated February 1, 2011. Accessed Spetember 5, 2013.